Traveling Europe by rail?
Then check out these money and time saving tips.

Railpass, Ticket, & Train Station Tips

The European train system makes life easy for the traveler.  It shrinks this already small continent, making long and short distances an affordable and exciting possibility for anyone.  European trains go to most destinations and are fast, frequent and inexpensive.  Generally  they are faster and more frequent north  of the Alps and less expensive but slower south of the Alps and Pyrenees.  With a railpass or ticket, you can easily have dinner in Paris--sleep on the train--and have breakfast in Venice or Berlin or Rome!

You can buy train tickets as you go or save money and use a railpass--depending on your train travel needs.

Railpasses and Point to Point Tickets:  With a railpass, you can travel virtually anywhere, anytime without reservations.  Just step on the train headed you your direction, sit in an unreserved seat, and when the uniformed conductor arrives, flash your pass.  Well, it generally is that easy.  Recently, more and more fast trains are requiring seat reservations in addition to your train ticket or railpass--but despite the chore of purchasing the required seat reservation, a railpass is still a joy.

The train pass scene has become complicated in recent years.. Our choice used to be just a 15, 30, 90 day Eurail Pass covering 17 countries.  But digging the English Channel Tunnel, building a bridge between Denmark  and Sweden, and adding slick  speed trains all over Europe haven't come cheap.  Consequently train pass prices have gone up faster than car rental rates.  Now the previously popular consecutive- day Eurailpasses are harder to afford.  Rather than lowering the price, the train pass companies are offering us 80+ different passes that fit more closely to your actual days of travel.   You can check out descriptions of different types of passes by clicking here.   You can see our must popular passes on our Home Page.

Point to point tickets can be your best budget buy.  Many Eurail travelers would save lots of money by buying tickets at they go.  While you can buy individual train tickets through your hometown travel agent, (or TERC) tickets are easy to buy--and cheaper--in Europe.  You can buy tickets in train stations or, more comfortably, in the travel agency near your hotel.  While most multi-country railpasses--non-youth passes come only in first class versions, second class point to point tickets can be purchased by any age--thus creating a savings.

We recommend checking the cost of point to point tickets for each of your planned trips with the cost of a railpass that would cover the same travel before committing to buying a pass.  We also recommend using a combination of railpass and point to point tickets: i.e.  Railpass for long expensive trips and 2nd class tickets for short trips.

Europe's Train Stations:  Train stations can be one of the independent traveler's best and most helpful friends.  Take advantage of the assistance they can offer.

 Train information:  Every station has a train information office that can help you with your scheduling. Although there are printed schedule's located on train ramps--they are often inaccurate or difficult to figure out accurately. I also find the timetable booklet I get with my pass is great for planning but often inaccurate .  So,   I usually write down what I would like to do, " depart 23/6/01  Munich to Paris  13:00" , then hand this to the person at train information window asking, OK?.  (notice how I jump the language barrier?!)  .  Written communication is easier and safest.   Generally, they will give you a computer print out of the schedules you ask for.  More of the larger train stations have computer terminals offering all the train schedules .  They are multilingual and can be a real time-saver.

Tourist information and room-finding services can be found in most train stations.  If you don't find it inside the station--look for the I sign and you will find it near by.  Pick up a map with sightseeing information and if you need it, advice on where to find budget accommodations

Money Changing:  Most sizable stations have ATM machines offering great rates 24 hours a day.  Often the station's money changing office is open long after others have closed in town.  Although convenient, their rates are generally some of the poorest to be found.  TIP:  For those times I don't have local currency and need to shop at the train station--I pull out an $10 or $20 bill and exchange it (no check cashing fee and I get a little better rate)  This usually happens when I get stuck in a border town train station.  

Lockers:  Virtually every station has storage lockers and/or a luggage-checking service where for about $2-5 a day you can leave your luggage.  People traveling light can fit two bags into one storage locker, cutting their storage costs in half.  TIP:  Paris stations and Versailles no longer have luggage storage of any kind --so make friends with your hotellier and leave your bags there till you need to get them.

Waiting rooms:  Most stations have comfortable waiting rooms.  Travellers with first class Passes/tickets can enjoy fancy business or V.I.P lounges.  Many larger stations are equipped with day hotels for those who want to shower, shave, rest, and so on.  Should you ever need a free, warm, and semi-safe place to spend the night, a train station (or an airport) could be a choice.  Some stations kick everyone out from about midnight to 6:00 a.m.  Check this before you bed down.  Caution:  Thieves work the stations in the wee hours.  Be on guard.

Bus Connections:  Train stations are usually major bus stops, so connections from train to bus are generally no more difficult that crossing the street.  Busses go from the stations to nearby towns that lack train service.  If you have a bus to catch, be quick, since many are scheduled to connect with the train and leave promptly.  If there is an airport nearby, you'll find well marked bus or rail shuttle services at the train station

  more Europe Train/Rail Tips
        Riding the Rails: from getting schedules to luggage
        Keep your Money & Valuables Safe on Trains
        Frequently Asked Questions About Train Travel & RailPasses
        How to Choose Your Railpass & other Transportation in Europe
        Rail Pass Descriptions + Senior & Youth Deals
        GET TO Chunnel EuroStar Departure  Earlier than Recommended
        "Toilet Training in Europe"
        Europe Train Tips Index
        Readers Train Tips

        Rail Passes & Specials
    Timetable Links for Rail - Chunnel -  Bus -  Ferry
        Eurostar Chunnel Fares/Schedules
    Rail MAPS Country by Country
        Point to Point Tickets & Seat Reservations

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